Dubai is a city full of emblems. Rather than adding another one, we propose to frame them all: to frame the city. Instead of building a massive structure, the purpose of this project is to build a void. This void of 150 meters by 105 meters will continuously frame the development of the past, current and future Dubai. It will become the timeframe structure that celebrates the city.
Opposed to the complexity in architecture, the Dubai Frame would become the most simple yet extraordinary archetype; maximization of the post-and-lintel principle. As architecture is about framing space, this will be its epitome. The Dubai Frame is a simple structure, yet with an incomparable presence in the city; it achieves the most with the least and will become the new landmark of Dubai.
The Dubai Frame, conceived and titled by DONIS, was selected as the winner of the ThyssenKrupp Elevator International Award 2009. For the competition a total of 926 design proposals were presented and evaluated by an experienced panel of judges. Participants from all over the world were required to propose an emblem that would promote “the new face for Dubai”.